We review the Honda Jazz from price to economy and all its features

THE world is obsessed with youth and staying young.

But for me, there’s quite a few things I look forward to about being old.

I can’t wait to not give a toss about what people think, for example. I also like the thought of eating dinner at 5.30pm.

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And who isn’t looking forward to the day they can retire and start fixing up that old MG rusting away in the garage? Now, thanks to Honda, there’s something else to look forward to — the new Jazz.

Head to any busy bingo hall on a weekday lunchtime and it’s likely the car park will be absolutely heaving with Honda’s smallest car.

more popular with the blue-rinse brigade than Alan Titchmarsh

The Jazz is more popular with the blue-rinse brigade than Alan Titchmarsh, thanks to its practicality, low running costs and reluctance to accelerate beyond 55mph.

But before you roll your eyes, tut loudly and mutter something about how all Honda Jazz owners should retake their driving test, I can tell you this third generation model has swapped the hand-knitted cardigan for a pair of Nike Air Max.

The exterior styling now features the same funky headlights as the HR-V crossover, the grille sports little chrome flashes and the heavily creased body comes in an impressive selection of eye-popping colours. Although the pearlescent Attract Yellow is best ignored if you want to avoid ridicule.

Inside, mid-range models receive a new Honda Connect infotainment system that features a 7in touchscreen display and Aha app integration, which means drivers can pair compatible smartphones and access certain apps on the go.

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I saw a pensioner using an iPad while texting on his smartphone the other day, so don’t scoff. And despite ditching the frumpy styling and spartan interiors, the Jazz remains a practical little hatchback.

Its boxy shape means rear passengers don’t suffer neck ache — perfect for car-pooling to Sainsbury’s — and all four doors open extra wide to make loading easier.

Honda’s Magic Seat system sees the rear pews fold totally flat so it can swallow 1,314-litres of stuff.

Unfortunately there’s only one choice of engine and that’s the 1.3-litre i-VTEC petrol. But it revs freely and does a good job of getting the car up to cruising speeds.

There’s not much pulling power above 70mph but the Jazz was never intended for trips to Ibiza.

Also, it’s best to avoid the automatic, which has a pretty lethargic CVT box. Plump for the snappy six-speed manual — it far better suits the car’s about-town character.

The relatively expensive Jazz still has plenty of competition, especially if it is to succeed in winning over a younger audience.

This third generation is a massive improvement

The cheaper Ford Fiesta and hip VW Polo are still arguably the cooler options. But this third generation is a massive improvement.

In fact, there’s very little out there that will swallow the contents of a student flat, return 56.5mpg on the way home to Mum’s and provide tunes via the on-board DAB radio.

And it will certainly receive Granny’s seal of approval should you want some early inheritance money.